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Sports Hunting ….. as I see it!!

This is how I see “hunting for sport”. Obviously, I’m not a fan. If I had to kill a living being to eat, I would definitely be a vegetarian.

Keep in mind that I’m only expressing my feelings and my opinion. I understand that many won’t and that is OK. I think that animals are on this Earth with a purpose and humanity is forgetting what that purpose is. They aren’t here for human entertainment or profit.

Again … my humble opinion.

~~Why Sport Hunting Is Cruel and Unnecessary~~

Although it was a crucial part of humans’ survival 100,000 years ago, hunting is now nothing more than a violent form of recreation that the vast majority of hunters do not need for subsistence. Hunting has contributed to the extinction of animal species all over the world, including the Tasmanian tiger and the great auk.

Less than 5 percent of the U.S. population (13.7 million people) hunts, yet hunting is permitted in many wildlife refuges, national forests, and state parks and on other public lands. Almost 40 percent of hunters slaughter and maim millions of animals on public land every year, and by some estimates, poachers kill just as many animals illegally.

~~Pain and Suffering~~

Many animals endure prolonged, painful deaths when they are injured but not killed by hunters. A study of 80 radio-collared white-tailed deer found that of the 22 deer who had been shot with “traditional archery equipment,” 11 were wounded but not recovered by hunters. Twenty percent of foxes who have been wounded by hunters are shot again. Just 10 percent manage to escape, but “starvation is a likely fate” for them, according to one veterinarian. A South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks biologist estimates that more than 3 million wounded ducks go “unretrieved” every year. A British study of deer hunting found that 11 percent of deer who’d been killed by hunters died only after being shot two or more times and that some wounded deer suffered for more than 15 minutes before dying.

Hunting disrupts migration and hibernation patterns and destroys families. For animals such as wolves, who mate for life and live in close-knit family units, hunting can devastate entire communities. The stress that hunted animals suffer — caused by fear and the inescapable loud noises and other commotion that hunters create — also severely compromises their normal eating habits, making it hard for them to store the fat and energy that they need in order to survive the winter.

~~Nature Takes Care of Its Own~~

The delicate balance of ecosystems ensures their survival — if they are left unaltered. Natural predators help maintain this balance by killing only the sickest and weakest individuals. Hunters, however, kill any animal whose head they would like to hang over the fireplace — including large, healthy animals who are needed to keep the population strong. Elephant poaching is believed to have increased the number of tuskless animals in Africa, and in Canada, hunting has caused bighorn sheep’s horn size to fall by 25 percent in the last 40 years. Nature magazine reports that “the effect on the populations’ genetics is probably deeper.”

Even when unusual natural occurrences cause overpopulation, natural processes work to stabilize the group. Starvation and disease can be tragic, but they are nature’s ways of ensuring that healthy, strong animals survive and maintain the strength of the rest of their herd or group. Shooting an animal because he or she might starve or get sick is arbitrary and destructive.

Another problem with hunting involves the introduction of exotic “game” animals who, if they’re able to escape and thrive, pose a threat to native wildlife and established ecosystems.

~~Canned Cruelty~~

Most hunting occurs on private land, where laws that protect wildlife are often inapplicable or difficult to enforce. On private lands that are set up as for-profit hunting reserves or game ranches, hunters can pay to kill native and exotic species in “canned hunts.” These animals may be native to the area, raised elsewhere and brought in, or purchased from individuals who are trafficking in unwanted or surplus animals from zoos and circuses. The animals are hunted and killed for the sole purpose of providing hunters with a “trophy.”

Canned hunts are big business — there are an estimated 1,000 game preserves in the U.S., with some 5,000 so-called “exotic ranchers” in North America.(12,13) Ted Turner, the country’s largest private landowner, allows hunters to pay thousands of dollars to kill bison, deer, African antelopes, and turkeys on his 2 million acres.

Animals on canned-hunting ranches are often accustomed to humans and are usually unable to escape from the enclosures that they are confined to, which range in size from just a few yards to thousands of acres. Most of these ranches operate on a “no-kill, no-pay” policy, so it is in owners’ best interests to ensure that clients get what they came for. Owners do this by offering guides who are familiar with animals’ locations and habits, permitting the use of dogs, and supplying “feeding stations” that lure unsuspecting animals to food while hunters lie in wait.

While many states have limited or banned canned hunts, there are no federal laws regulating the practice at this time.

~~Other Victims~~

Hunting accidents destroy property and injure or kill horses, cows, dogs, cats, hikers, and other hunters. In 2006, then–Vice President Dick Cheney famously shot a friend while hunting quail on a canned hunting preserve. According to the National Shooting Sports Foundation, thousands of injuries are attributed to hunting in the U.S. every year—and that number only includes incidents involving humans.

The bears, cougars, deer, foxes, and other animals who are chased, trapped, and even killed by dogs during (sometimes illegal) hunts aren’t the only ones to suffer from this variant of the “sport.” Dogs used for hunting are often kept chained or penned and are denied routine veterinary care such as vaccines and heartworm medication. Some are lost during hunts and never found, whereas others are turned loose at the end of hunting season to fend for themselves and die of starvation or get struck by vehicles.

~~A Humane Alternative~~

There are more than 20 million deer in the U.S., and because hunting has been an ineffective method to “control” populations (one Pennsylvania hunter “manages” the population and attracts deer by clearing his 600-acre plot of wooded land and planting corn), some wildlife agencies are considering other management techniques. Several studies suggest that sterilization is an effective, long-term solution to overpopulation. A method called “trap, neuter, and return” (TNR) has been tried on deer in Ithaca, N.Y., and an experimental birth-control vaccine is being used on female deer in Hastings-on-the-Hudson, N.Y. One Georgia study of 1,500 white-tailed deer on Cumberland Island concluded that “if females are captured, marked, and counted, sterilization reduces herd size, even at relatively low annual sterilization rates.”

~~What You Can Do~~

Before you support a “wildlife” or “conservation” group, ask about its position on hunting. Groups such as the National Wildlife Federation, the National Audubon Society, the Sierra Club, the Izaak Walton League, the Wilderness Society, and the World Wildlife Fund are pro–sport-hunting, or at the very least, they do not oppose it.

To combat hunting in your area, post “no hunting” signs on your land, join or form an anti-hunting organization, protest organized hunts, and spread deer repellent or human hair (from barber shops) near hunting areas. Call 1-800-628-7275 to report poachers in national parks to the National Parks and Conservation Association. Educate others about hunting. Encourage your legislators to enact or enforce wildlife-protection laws, and insist that nonhunters be equally represented on the staffs of wildlife agencies.

All of the pictures above show humans portraying the “fallen” animal as a trophy. They show their pride in their kill. They have another one for their “walls”.

There is no way that these animals had a fair chance against those high power weapons. Where is the pride in this? Humans are above animals, of course. But the portrayed animals had no chance other than succumb to the mighty power of the rifle, bullet or arrow.

http://facebook.com/kindnesstrust – Is hunting really a ‘sport’ or are hunters being delusional and misguided? Do the points in this short talk stand up to examination? Is it time civilization moved on? Watch this and join the conversation.

About Dr. Rex

I'm originally from Puerto Rico. I was born in Santurce and raised in Rio Piedras. Have lived in Florida since 1999.
I have a doctorate degree in Medicine; completed in 1976. My Internal Medicine specialty was completed in 1979. Worked for Puerto Rico's health system until 1985.
At this time, I'm happily retired after working for the federal government for almost 28yrs.
I want to offer any knowledge that I have to anyone "out there" who is interested. My views are liberal in almost every sense. My knowledge is "eclectic" - a bit of everything. Music and reading are my passion. Blogging has also become a very interesting endeavor. Metaphysical topics attract me. I'm interested in news reporting human issues like injustice, discrimination and abuse - the "wrongly" affected.
My intention is to bring this knowledge to an understandable level and to help anyone in need. I'm open to questions and will answer them to the best of my ability.
Currently working on an enterprise whose main mission will be to bring peoples of all walks of life together. To be one .... since we ALL are ONE!!
The future looks bright and promising!!!

this was such a wonderful post – I am glad I had time to read it today. You tugged at my heart – and the way you inserted pics and wrote – and how you started with “my opinion” was just a nice flow – there was such a pleasantness to your whole tone – with a such loaded topic!!! and sad.

and I agree, canned hunting may be the worse. and well, we grew up in an area where a friend always gave us venison (coincidentally near Ithaca, NY – but this was in Holland, NY where the deer were from – and well, it is nice to hear about the TNR.

This article is full of inaccuracies and overly sentimental nonsense. I am a hunter and there are a few things that I would like to clear up. I respect the animald that I hunt and do not kill for the sake of killing or for the sake of putting a trophy on the wall. I only shoot what I eat in the majority of cases barring some nuisance or destructive animals in certain cases.

The reason that few animals escape once they have been shot by hunters is that the vast majority of ethical hunters will wait until they have a proper shot opportunity that will minimize the amount of suffering that an animal will have. Killing an animal with a rifle is considerably more ethical than letting nature take its course. Look up coyotes or wolves hunting other animals if you don’t believe me. Often the animal hasn’t even passed before the wolves will begin eating

… (continued). The other thing to note is that every ecosystem has a carrying capacity. That is the number of a given species that an ecosystem is able support naturally. Once this number has been surpased, available resources like food and water can become scarce or depleted causing the species as a whole to suffer in an area due to famines, etcetera. With proper wildlife management often these species will thrive as their numbers are kept within the carrying capacity.

Another point that I would like to make is that while you argue how inhumane and unethical and sick hunters are for killing innocent animals, you are doing nothing to contribute to these species. The fees that hunters pay for licensing, etcetera, is where the funding to support public lands and natural reserves comes from.

The last couple things that I would like to say is that I still don’t condone hunters that hunt for strictly trophies or those that hunt endangered animals like elephants, lions, etc.. In the cases where I don’t hunt for meat, such as when I hunt coyotes; the ones that I hunt are the ones living too close to towns and cities and pose a threat to pets, livestock and even people (like small children). Would you really rather just have nature run in course in these cases? I should also mention that if a coyote gets into an animal pen or enclosure, they will slaughter every single animals, eat a little and then leave never to return.

In conclusion, call me whatever you want, but I think hunting for the right reasons and with the right mindset can be perfectly humane.

I wouldn’t call you anything disrespectful … I respect the right you have to do as you wish. The title well says “as I see it”. I think I have a right to my opinion and feelings, as you do yours.
In my heart I know I couldn’t do what you do … but, then again, that’s what is correct for you. I would never disrespect you. And I try to understand your reasons.
I’m talking from my heart which usually gets one in some sort of trouble.

“This article is full of inaccuracies and overly sentimental nonsense.” …. from a “visitor”. I still stand by what I wrote …. it’s my opinion and the way I feel about hunting …. to each their own, right?

Prince Harry, and the others yes, they hunt even those animals in danger. Then they have the cheek to say wild life is in danger in Africa.. I hate the double standards. There is no need for hunting today, for food is plentiful. The rich have no problems in choosing he best available. Seems to me that the thrill for these people is in the killing and not in the eating.. They have everything don’t they? so why not kill poor animals that have nothing much.. Yep, I don’t get it.. And we honour those people!!! We are equally to blame in that respect.. (Talking about those people who adore the so call royals.) eve x

no, i did not.. I might add in Sri Yogananda’s book, Autobiography of a Yogi, he says firmly, to kill animals is one of the worst karmas for people to have. It is a serious crime against the animal kingdom. I believe him. eve

Are you talking about the author of the post who is a hunter himself? – I have just read his comments.. ugh! – sorry I would not be so nice to him.. They kill for blood – they kill because they enjoy it.. They kill because they don’t see the animals as having any rights.. They also probably, given the chance, would shot humans too.. OMG! – sorry but this subject or topic, makes me see red… eve

these souls are not very advanced – are they. To want to take life is a serious offense. Those who have to kill animals for food, such as the Native Indians, only killed the old and wounded or sick. They always prayed before hand, and only killed what they ate. This is just blood letting.. A way of murder made legal for those who must murder.. Do let’s make that clear.. eve

Oh, Horty, I TOTALLY AGREE with you! My heart bled when I saw the giraffe— my favorite animal! OMG…how horrible! I agree also with your idea that “Canned hunting” is the worst! I have NEVER understood the joy in having dead animals hanging on a living room wall! I know people whose entire homes are taken over in this manner. I think we are ALL INTERCONNECTED…people need to raise their level of awareness. The Elephant Whisperer was a great man who understood. I wish everyone would read his story.

I read J Siegs’ comments. How can he argue you that your post is “sentimental” — YOU use facts and statistics? He is only justifying his own actions. He also wrote: “The other thing to note is that every ecosystem has a carrying capacity. That is the number of a given species that an ecosystem is able support naturally. Once this number has been surpassed….” hunters take over. My thought is—-there would be NO NEED for this in the first place, if we learned to live in harmony with nature, rather than subduing it! Just think what the White Male did to the Buffaloes in this country? Driving them over a cliff for sport! Hunting is just an extension of SOME Males who want to exert power and control, and do so in an aggressive manner. These same people will argue that it is JUST to carry a concealed weapon and that guns should be everywhere! GUNS KILL. Hunters KILL. Cro-Magnon is still among us!
I am with you 100% on this, Horty!

Historically proper resource control has not always been in place, I won’t justify the extinction of a species for the sake of hunting. I also know of a number of females that hunt so stating that hunting is man’s desise to exert power and control is invalid in my opinion.

I also feel that firearms are a tool and have their place in society but must always be respected and viewed for what they are. I do not nor will I ever carry a concealed gun or use it for protection of my person. My firearms are used a tool for hunting and putting food on my table, nothing more.

It seems then, J Seigs … that we are almost on the same page. This post was never meant to put down any hunter who does so for food …. even though I don’t still like the idea of killing animals. This post was mostly intended for those who participate in canned hunting and those who hunt (in spite of having governmental “permission” … just for the sake of hunting and having that “trophy” up on their walls.

I agree that firearms do have a place in society. However, it seems to me that this place in society is being abuse … I agree on responsible, sensible gun ownership. I don’t think that anyone should tell others what to do about beliefs, etc. like I stated before.

I’m glad that you stopped by and stated your opinion and clarified information. I was never my intent to insult or put anyone down. My intention is to share information and have others reach their own conclusions.

If you want, do come back …. this isn’t the only topic I post about. I think of my tastes as “eclectic” … a bit of everything. Sharing information in a respectful way.

Thanks again Dr. Rex. I respect that you have a different opinion than I do and wished only to offer an insiders perspective as I stated earlier. I have actually read a couple of your other blog posta and respect much of what you have to say. I did not mean to be offensive if at any point you felt that was the case. Perhaps I will visit again under less polorizing circumstances but until then I give my best regards…J Siegs

Please know that you have not been offensive to me at all. I appreciate your visit, your comments, your point of view and respect your point of view. Pleas do come back.
I believe that’s what we are here for: share info, learn from each other and accept differences. Thank you for all your comments.
I will be looking for you!!! Hugs & peace!! J Siegs!!

This post made me very sad as I’ve had the joy of seeing many of these animals in their natural habitat. I often wondered how one can look at something so wonderfully magnificent and then kill it. I just don’t know.

I appreciate your taking the time to read my posts Dr Rex. I felt that another perspective on the issue was warranted. I am not some cold blooded killer who kills for fun and I have the utmost respect for the animals that I hunt.

I feel that hunters are often demonized by people who often aren’t truly educated on the subject. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions and understand that hunting will always be a polarizing issue in many peoples’ minds. I would just like to reiterate that not all hunters kill for the sake of killing and most hunters despise poachers or hunters that don’t follow a code of ethics while hunting.

The last thing that I would like to say today is that hunting is really no different from fishing and despite the availability of food where you live, there are many communities that still rely on hunting and fishing for a large percentage of their sustenence. Everyone needs to understand that even the meat you buy in the store comes from animals. I personally feel that it is more humane to eat animals from the wild that have lived free than those that have been born in captivitu and bred for the slaughter. But as you said, to each their own.

Hunters who respect life?. HAHAHA. And the coherence?. So I could say: I rape people, but of course I do respect them!. If you are a hunter, you are a murderer.
To respect animals people go vegan.
Otherwise, one is paying in order to have animals tortured.
And it is 2014. We all know that a healthy life is possible and ethical, therefore why people still support slaughterhouses or hunting (no difference, you are killing innocents)

These are the types of comments that I really hate to see, but unfortunately are the types of comments that are often levied at hunters. The sole fact that someone is a hunter gives no indication of whether they are a person of compassion and moral integrity. To state that because a person hunts, you can assume that they are capable of such horrendous acts as rape and murder is absolutely atrocious. There is simply no evidence to suggest any type of correlation in this case. I’m not saying that all hunters are innocent, and people are drawn to hunting for different reasons but to suggest that all hunters are capable of such acts is no different from any other unfounded sterotype or form of discrimination (including racism, sexism, ageism, anti-semitism etcetera).

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Thanks so very much for stopping by and leaving your kind comment. This has been posted for quite a while. I managed to edit the pictures and made them bigger.
It’s been a while … and the blog has changed. I hope you do enjoy your visits here!!
Have a wonderful day, Glenn!! From the heart … ❤
Peace … __/l\__